Molybdenum (Symbol Mo, Greek molybdos lead-A hard, silver-white metallic element. Molybdenum is an essential trace element, serving as a cofactor for enzymes xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and nitrate reductase. By acting as a cofactor, molybdenum enables the enzyume to work more effectively, and in some cases, to work at all. By acting as cofactors, the shape of the enzyme may change, enabling it to undergo chemical reactions at a faster rate and with less required energy.

RDA of molybdenum

An RDA for molybdenum has not yet been established, although it is an essential trace element. Many multivitamins include 20 or more micrograms of molybdenum as a component. Molybdenym, being a trace element, or mineral, is found in soil and therefore, is taken up by plants through their root systems. Different soils logically contain different amounts of molybdenum, so the amounts that people receive in their diets depend on the food they consume and of course, where they are situated (if they consume the food they grow). On average, diets can contain about half a milligram to several milligrams of molybdenum. Plants growing in neutral soils and alkaline (high pH) soils with high concentrations of organic matter, contain higher amounts of molybdenum. Sandy soils contain less. Plants that grow in acidic soile (low pH) also contain less molybdenum.

From a medical point of view, it is interesting to note that in areas of high molybdenum concentration, there is an increase in the incidence of gout. The incidence of dental caries (cavities) also decreases. Perhaps the bacteriostatic effect is similar to that of fluorine.

Toxicity and deficiency of molybdenum

The effects of high levels of molybdenum are similar to other metallic elements. Central nervous system effects, liver and kidney damage, and inflammatory reactions are some of the common denominators for these trace elements. As we have read above in regards to gout, long term exposure comes with its own risks. Deficiency in man has not been fully demonstrated. In animals however, deficiency of molybdenum results in decreased growth. On an academic level, this seems entirely possible in humans as well, considering the enzyme systems will also work less efficiently without molybdenum, and these enzymes indirectly affect growth. Additionally, chronic high levels of molybdenum causing gout seems plausible when we take in consideration that xanthine oxidase is the enzyme that oxidizes hypoxanthine, which in turn, is later degraded to uric acid. High levels of uric acid are deposited causing gout.